California self-storage provider A-1 Self Storage recently made monetary donations to several charities including local chapters of two national organizations, the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Donations were also made to support an event for the National Psoriasis Foundation and Noah Homes, a nonprofit that supports adults with developmental disabilities.

The self-storage company donated funds to the Southern California chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, which provides resources for patients suffering from the disease as well as support groups, education on how to cope with arthritis and advocacy to raise awareness. California has eight offices, offering exercise and education programs, and a youth camp.

More than 50 million American adults have been diagnosed with arthritis and 300,000 children under the age of 18 are also affected by this disease. These statistics are alarming! said Brian Caster, president and CEO of A-1 Self Storage. We are pleased to provide some monetary support to help enable the Arthritis Foundation to continue its invaluable efforts in assisting patients suffering with arthritis.

The second recipient, the Border Sierra Region chapter of the American Cancer Society, provides information, guidance, short-term counseling and crisis intervention for cancer patients and their families. In addition, the organization provides information about early detection for cancer and cancer prevention. The Border Sierra Region serves the counties of Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and portions of Kern and Los Angeles.

A-1 Self Storage also made a donation to Noah Homes, a Spring Valley, Calif., nonprofit that provides residential homes and services for adults with developmental disabilities. Started in 1983, the organization operates eight homes on 11 acres on the outskirts of San Diego.

One of the organizations goals is to maximize each residents independence by encouraging self-determination within a nurturing environment. The residents work in the community in a variety of roles including positions in restaurants, book stores and department stores, and in landscaping and janitorial. Noah Homes also encourages participation in sports, the Special Olympics, and entertainment activities such as bowling and ice-skating.

 Noah Homes operates based on their conviction that each person has the ability to enrich those around them, Caster said. They encourage you and I to grow in awareness about people with disabilities so we might work together to build a united community.

A-1 Self Storage is also supporting the National Psoriasis Foundations 7th Annual Walk to Cure Psoriasis on Oct. 12 at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in San Diego. The events goal is to raise $70,000, which will go toward funding research in finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The event will include a 1K walk, 5K walk and a hill challenge.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin and can occur on any part of the body. Its usually associated with diabetes, heart disease and other serious health conditions.

Based in San Diego, the National Psoriasis Foundation is a nonprofit, voluntary health agency dedicated to finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and eliminating their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. Founded in 1968, the Psoriasis Foundation has evolved to become the leading patient advocacy group for the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

A-1 Self Storage has 17 locations in the San Diego County area and more than 40 locations statewide. It is the self-storage division of the Caster Cos., a third-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Southern California since 1959. Caster Cos. develops and manages A-1 Self Storage, A-1 Car Storage and other commercial properties in California. Its portfolio includes more than 4 million square feet of real estate.